Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3181, Jacob Erb, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Penn.
Erb, Jacob Elizabeth
W. 3181
CONTENTS

Reported
Incuran 4529 Phil. Pennsylvania Elizabeth Erb dec d of Jacob Erb died on the 3 April 1848 at Chambersburg the State of Penn was a Pri d En gn the Comp y commanded by Captain Roth of the Reg t commanded by Major Riegel in the war for
Penn y Sine
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 108 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3 rd day of March , 1838, & end 27. Sept r 1844 April when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of March 1850 and sent to Hon. Rich d Brodhead, Easton Pa.
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Increased from $49.66
Payable to only surviving child Polly Honck { Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by J. B. Chase Clerk Book Vol. 2 Page 367
100 C

Increase 32 66 2/3 Phil.
Pennsylvania
Jacob Erb - decd
in the State of Penn.
who was a Pr Lieut in the Compy commanded by Captain Roth of the Regt commanded by Maj Boyd in the Revolution line for
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 108 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. And 3 April 1838, when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Mar 1857 and sent Hon. Richd Brodhead, Easton Penn
Arrears to the 4th of Semianl. allowance ending Increased from $49.00 Payable to only child Polly Houch
Revolutionary Claim Age June 7, 1831
Recorded by J. S. Chase Clerk Book F 2 Vol. 5 Page 10

37564
Jacob Erb 2 nd
Pa
Act 7 th June 32.
died 3 rd Apr. 1838

Declaration of Polly Houch in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
State of Pennsylvania } County of Northampton } ss. On this 28 th day of August A.D. 1847, personally appeared in open Court, before their Honors, J. Pringle Jones, Pres t , and James Kennedy and George Hefs, Associates, Justices, now composing the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Northampton, Polly Houch a resident of the Borough of Easton and County aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832,
That her father, Jacob Erb of Allen township, Northampton County, Penna, was an Ensign in the Militia of Northampton County during the Revolutionary War, and that he performed many and valuable services during said War. That to the best of her knowledge and belief, and as near as she can ascertain from tradition reputation, and survivors, he served at two several times, tours of duty, of two months each under Capt. Peter Roth, against the Indians, in the frontier townships of this County, at, and above Fort Allen (now Weissport) in Lehigh township &c. That he served at another time in a tour under Major James Boyd, that they went up the Lehigh towards a place now called Tamagwa, where they buried some soldiers who had been slain by the Indians. That at another time he performed a tour of duty under Capt. Paul Knorr, and was stationed along the frontiers of Lehigh township, and above Fort Allen. That at another time he went up the Delaware River to Stroudsburg, and then marched up the River farther to Meenisinck where the Indians were making ravages. That reputation is conflicting as to who commanded. She thinks it was Capt. George Wolf or Capt. Abraham Horn. That at another time he was out under Capt. Henry Ritter, but she is not certain whether this was a different tour from that commanded by James Boyd, when several companies were together. That he served two tours of two months each under Capt. John Sig-

gery, during which time they were stationed at Capt Griggerys own house in Chesnuthill township, and along the frontiers of said township. That she believes her father did other service in the Revolution than that detailed above, but that she cannot definitely ascertain where and under whom it was. That shortly before her fathers death * Caspar Marsh of Northampton County, made oath of services with her father, as she thinks and believes under Capt Griggery and Capt. Horn, and that on said evidence, a gratuity of $40, and an annuity of $40, was granted to her father by the State of Penna, - that the said Caspar Marsh became a pensioner of the United States and she desires that his Declaration may be examined to ascertain whether her father is not named in it as one of his officers. And that in all the above services she believes him to have been an Ensign. That her father the said Jacob Erb died on the third day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight never having applied for the pension due him from the United States, not knowing as she believes, that he was entitled to a pension from the United States as a Militia man.
Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court } the day and year aforesaid
Polly rev  Houck (mark)
J. Ritcheave, Prothonotary
And now, the day and year aforesaid in open Court are presented the Affidavits of the Rev. F. W. Meendse, a clergyman of the Lutheran Church of Allen Township, of the Rev. J. C. Becker, a clergyman of the German Reformed Church of Allen Township and of David Bleim, of Allen Township, Northampton County, aforesaid, Deposing That they were well acquainted with Jacob Erb, the father of Polly Houck, the Declarant above named, and that the said Jacob Erb was always reputed and believed in the neighbourhood to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that they believe him to have been such.
And the said Court Do hereby, Declare their opinion after examination of the Evidence adduced, and Investigation of the matter, that Jacob Erb, the father of the above named Applicant, was an Ensign in the Revolutionary War, and served as she states. And the Court, further certify, That it appears to them that the Rev. F. W. Meendse and the Rev. J. C. Becker, are clergymen, residing in Allen Township, Northampton County, the immediate neighbourhood of Jacob Erb, and that

David Reim is a respectable citizen of the same place; and that their Affidavits were made before a Justice duly authorized to administer Oaths, and that their statements are entitled to the most full and ample credit and belief
J. T. Reitzgreaves, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, Do Hereby certify, That the foregoing contains the Original Proceeding of the said Court, in the Matter of the Application of Polly Houck, for the Arrears of Pension due to her father Jacob Erb, under the Act of Congress of the 7th June A.D. 1832. And I also certify, That Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to the said Court, that the said Jacob Erb, died on the Third day of April one thousand eight hundred thirty eight, and that Polly Houck of the Borough of Easton is the only surviving Child.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court the 28th day of August A.D. 1847.
J. T. Reitzgreaves Proth.

7066 Elizabeth Arb ar widow of Jacob Pn
act 4 July 1836
Marr'd before 1780
Husband died 3 Apr 38
Widow died 27 Sept 1844

Declaration of Polly Houck, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836.
State of Pennsylvania } County of Northampton } ss. On this 28 th day of August A.D. 1847, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas, in and for our said County of Northampton, now holding in the Borough of Easton, Polly Houck, a resident of the Borough of Easton, County & State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836,
That her mother Elizabeth Erb was the widow of Jacob Erb who was an Ensign in the militia of Northampton County during the Revolutionary War and performed various services against the Indians &c during the Revolutionary War, all of which service is more particularly detailed in a Declaration made simultaneously with this, for the purpose of procuring the arrears of pension due her father Jacob Erb, under the Act of Congress of Jan 8. 1832. She further declares that her mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Doll and that she was married to her father Jacob Erb, on the second day of March A.D. one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, by the Rev d Mr Steiner, Pastor of the German Reformed Congregation of Allen township, in Allen township, and that her oldest sister, named Elizabeth, was the first child born to her parents, and that the said Elizabeth was born on the 20 th day of June 1780, as appears by the Church Record. That her father died on the 3 rd day of April A.D. 1838, and that after his death the annuity of $40, for as was continued to her mother. That her mother was never married after her father's death, but that she remained his widow; and that she his widow died on the twenty seventh day of September, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court, the day and year above written.
J. R. Sitgreaves Prothonotary
Polly her Houck mark

J. R. Sitgreaves, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County Do certify that the within is the Original Proceeding of said Court in the matter of the Application of Polly Houck for the Arrears of Pension due her Mother Elizabeth Eliz- abeth Houck Elizabeth Erb, Widow of Jacob Erb. And I also Certify, That satisfactory Evidence has been exhibited to the said Court, that the said Elizabeth Erb, Died on the Twenty seventh day of September A D one thou- sand eight hundred and forty four
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and af- fixed the seal of said Court the 28th day of August A D 1847, the name "Elizabeth Houck" having been written above by mis- take being first erased.
J. R. Sitgreaves Proth.

The Rev D r J C Becker the clergyman here mentioned is a gentleman of high character in every respect & his statements entitled to full credit & belief - State of Pennsylvania } Northampton County } ss.
Rich d Brodhead
Apr 15 1848
Before me, the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for the County of Northampton personally appeared J. C. Becker, a minister of the German Reformed Church of Allen Township Northampton County, who, being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he searched the Records of Zion Church, in Allen Township Northampton County and on his oath he does declare, that it appears from said Record, which he believes to be original & authentic that a daughter named Elizabeth, was born to Jacob and Elizabeth Erb on the twentieth day of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty (June 20 th 1780.)
He further declar d that he was acquainted with Jacob Erb, (the father of Polly Henck) who was reputed and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution and his wife Elizabeth. That he preached the funer- al sermon when Jacob Erb died, That his widow, the said Elizabeth Erb, the mother of Polly Henck survived the said Jacob, and died on the twenty seventh day of September one thousand eight hun- dred and forty four (Sept. 27 th 1844.) and that he pre- ached the funeral sermon.
He further says that the said Elizabeth Erb never again married after the death of the said Jacob Erb, but continued his widow until she died, Sworn and Subscribed this , 10 th day of January AD 1848. J. C. Becker D r .
Before Me,
Jacob Baer L.P.
State of Pennsylvania
Northampton County ss J. T. R. Sitgreaves, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do certify.

That Jacob Baer is a Justice of the Peace of said County as within stated, and that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Easton the 13th day of January A.D. 1848
T. R. Sitgreaves, Clerk

S. J. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions, Sir
Yours under date of Dec. 1 st , reporting to the Hon. R. Brookhead, in case of Polly Houch applicant for the area due Jacob Erb, is re,
Permit me to differ with you in regard to the period of service proved by payment of £32. 9. 6. which according to your statement is for 4 mo. 9 days. By recurrence to the papers of Penna. Pensions on file in your office, you will discover that Nicholson Certificates were given, not as payment for the whole, but for balance due. For instance one of the Certificates is for £22, if I recollect aright now that would be pay for nearly three months, at one time which is impossible, as the Militia of Penna, on no occasion served longer than at one time two months, the period for which they were draughted. The fact is, however, that the disbursing officers paid out all the cash in hand to the soldiers, & for the balance they were to call on the Comptroller of Accounts, after the close of the War, & then the Certificates were issued by the Comptroller payable a number of years after, & on the face of them they show a settlement of accounts - The soldier having performed certain duties, & having received some pay, a settlement was made & certificates issued for the balance due, & each certificate might be for & probably was, for balance due for several tours of duty.
With regard to the identity of Jacob Erb, 2 d , with Jacob Erb of Shady Rifleman, no positive proof can be had at this distance of time, but the presumption is strong, from the fact that Capt. Henry Shady was appointed from Northampton County, (vide proceedings of Penna. Assembly for March 9 th 1776, on file at Washington) And in order to guide you in making an allowance for his services therein if you will refer to their proceedings on the 12 th March 1776, you will find that the Riflemen were enlisted to serve until the 1 st Jan. 1778,
If further presumptive proof is desired, I can show that Henry Shady resided in More Township, in this County of Northampton - That Jacob Erb's father, Caspar Erb, resided

in Moore Twp. Also, during the War, - that his son Jacob Erb the father of Polly Houch the applicant, settled in Allen Township immediately adjoining Moore Twp when he married in 1799, & that he always lived there to the period of his death, & that no other Jacob Erb or any other family of the name was ever known or heard of in Southampton Co.
Before I made the Declaration I had diligent & faithful search made at Harrisburg for the papers on which Erb obtained his state Pension, but without success by a friend of mine, extracts from whose letter I enclose. After the Declaration made, I had still farther search made but with like failure, so that you will have to make a decision upon the papers before you.
I was always under the impression that the Certificate of the Court was conclusive as to the time of the death of a person. I stand corrected, however, & enclose you the affidavit of the Clergyman who officiated at the funeral of the old patriot, - It was made at the time the Declaration was, & was the proof upon which the Court certified as to the time of the death.
Yours &c
Charles Brothhead
Easton Pa. Dec 6 th 1847.

State of Pennsylvania } Northampton County. } ss.
Before me Jacob Baer a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared D. C. Becker a minister of the German Reformed Church of Allen Township Northampton County & doth depose and say that he was acquainted with Jacob Erb the father of Polly Heineke. That the said Jacob Erb was reputed and believed to have been a Soldier of the revolution, that he drew a pension of forty Dollars per Annum from the State of Pennsylvania. And that the said Jacob Erb died on the 3 d day of April 1838. and that he preached the funeral Sermon, and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 26 th day of August. 1847.
D. C. Becker
Jacob Baer J. P.
State of Pennsylvania
Northampton County } ss.
I T. R. Sitgreave, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Do Certify That Jacob Baer before whom the above affidavit was made and taken, was at the time of taking the same and still is a Justice of the Peace as above stated, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court at Easton, this fourth day of December A D 1847.
T. R. Sitgreave Protho.

Asaphus to one arm of two mandibles under Capt Rock in 1781

State of Pennsylvania } Carbon County }
Before me Daniel Heberling an associate justice of the Court of Common Pleas of Carbon County, on this fourth day of September A.D. 1847. personally appeared Paul Solt of Sawamensing township, Carbon County aforesaid, a Pensioner of the United States, and whom I certify to be a man of respectability and his statements to be entitled to full credit & belief, who being first duly sworn accor- ding to law, doth depose and say, that about the year 1781 when he was drafted to service in the Militia of Northampton County, Capt Peter Roth of Northampton County, had the command of the Company in which he was drafted, and Jacob Erb of Allen township, Northampton County was the Ensign of said Company, and that for the space of two months that they were at Fort Allen and along the frontiers of Sawamensing township &c, the said Jacob Erb, acted and was obliged as Ensign of the said Company.
Sworn and subscribed before me } the day and year aforesaid } D Heberling Associate Justice }
Paul Solt
State of Pennsylvania } County of Carbon }
Chas I Charles Snyder, Notary of the Court of Common Pleas of Carbon County, aforesaid, hereby

Certify that Daniel Fleberling before whom the within deposition, was made and taken, is one of the Associate Justices of our County of Carbon, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized to administer oaths and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine,
In testimony whereof I have affixed the seal of our said Court and set my hand this eleventh day of September A D 1847.
Chas Snyder Prothon

Easton, Northampton Co. Penna, Sept. 22 nd 77.
James L. Edwards Esq
Com r of Pensions,
Sir. Enclosed you will receive the application of Polly Houck, for the arrear of pension due her father, Jacob Erb who was a private and Ensign in the Revolution, under the Act of 7 th June 1832. The proof is, 1 st The declaration of Declarant, who, of course, speaks only from hearsay of her father, and tradition among relatives, accompanied with the affidavits of David Blium & the Rev d s Mendser & Becker, with the opinion of the Court thereon.
2 d , A certified copy of a Return of Capt a Henry Shade's Company of the 1 st Bat n of Rifle Regiment, Col. Sam l Miles. In this company he served a long time, during which he was at the Battle of Trenton, but for what period he enlisted, I have not been able to ascertain, neither, when he was discharged, for the Records at Harrisburg are so defective. This service is not alledged, specially, in the Declaration, tho' the general clause covers it, as she was scrupulous against alledging services of which she was not certain, and of his services as against the Indians she was certain, as they were the batten of the old gentleman's song to her in her childhood, and were thus firmly impressed upon her memory. If the Department deem it necessary, however, proof positive can be made that Capt a Shade, with his officers & men were from Northampton County, and that no, one

Jacob Erb, other than the father of the applicant, was ever heard of in this county. It is desired that the Records at Washington, relating to Col. Miles' Rifle Regiment, Capt. Henry Shade's Company, be examined, to ascertain the period for which they were enlisted, & how long Jacob Erb was therein.
3 d , Certificate of Election as Ensign in 1780, which election can be shown, if necessary, to have been for three years, & of re-election in 1783, making a period of three years & six months during the continuance of the War, that he acted as Ensign, immediately on the then borders of our County, where he was almost constantly in requisition.
4 th  of Carbon Co, formerly Northampton, Pa, Affidavit of Paul Solt, a Pensioner of U. States of service under him
5 th  of Northampton County Pa Affidavit of John Reed, a Pensioner of U. States of service with him under Maj. Boyd, when several companies were out together, Also of an excursion or tour which he recollects him to have made up the Delaware to Minisink. The horrible massacre of soldiers & citizens at Minisink by the Indians, was an epoch in the history of this section of the Country, and one which would make the fact of one's neighbor having gone up to remedy the evil to be firmly impressed upon the memory of Mr Reed.
I also have the Deposition of Martin a pensioner of the U. States Irner of Luzerne Co, Pa of service under Erb as Ensign, in tours under Captain Peter Ruth & Capt Paul Knows, but owing to the blunder of the Justice in signing his name in the wrong place & then making an erasure

I have tho' best not to send it on in an imperfect state, but wait until I have opportunity, as Orner lives at some distance, to have it taken over, if the Department deem the certificates of Comptroller Nicholson not conclusive of the services as Ensign alleged.
George Dreher, a pensioner of the U. States late of this County, now Dec d , was with Erb in the tour to Minisink, and it is desired that his papers be examined, to ascertain whether Erb is not named as one of his officers.
6 th , Certificates of Comptroller Nicholson of balance due Erb as an Ensign of the Northampton County Militia, for large amounts which, I should suppose, would include the whole number of terms alleged.
Claim is made for one years service, at least, under Captain Henry Shade, and one year and six weeks service as Ensign in the Northampton County Militia.
This case is Respectfully recommended to your kind consideration as well from its evident justice, as from the fact that the applicant is an aged, poor, & only surviving, widowed child, and as much in need of "aid & comfort" as ever was poor old Soldier or widow of soldier.
Respectfully Yours &c (Charles Brodhead)

John Reid captures to one line of his minutes to Simon's Bay union Capt. Capt. Self

State of Pennsylvania Northampton County ss.
Before me Joseph Hirst one of the justices of the peace in and for the County of Northampton the 26 th day of August A.D. 1847. Personally appeared John Read a petitioner of the United States, who, statements I. declare to be entitled to full credit and believe who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was acquainted with Jacob Erb a soldier of the revolution of Northampton County the Father of Polly Houch that he and the said Jacob Erb were boys together That at the time when he the said John Read was out on the frontiers to bury the men who were killed by the Indians and along the frontiers guarding the same Maj t James Boyd commanding the Companies the said Jacob Erb was along with them and during the whole time that they were out the said Jacob was along with them but whether as private or officer he does not now recollect. That sometime afterwards, he does not now recollect how long the said Jacob Erb went with the Militia up to Shrewsbury and from thence to Minisink Guarding against the Indians and that he was gone for the space of two months. He cannot say with certainty who was the Commander.
And further saith not Sworn and subscribed before me the 26 th day of August A.D. 1847
John Read
Joseph Hirst J.P.

I Theodore R. Sitgreaves Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Northampton, State of Pennsylvania, certify that Joseph Hirst before whom the within affidavit was made & taken, is a Justice of the Peace of our said County of Northamp- ton, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal said Court this 18 th day of September A.D. 1827.
T. Sitgreaves Prothonotary

Pennsylvania Northampton County
By Return certified & signed by the Sub Lieutenants of the said County to me directed bearing date the 11 th 13 th & 25 th days of May 1780 The following Gen ts were chosen Field Officers in the several Battalions of Militia of the County of Northampton and having drawn lots for their Nu- merical Rank the Captains Lieutenants & Ensigns are arranged as followeth
Third Battal n } Lieut Col Nicholas Steind Major James Boyd }
   Captains Lieutenants Ensigns     1 John Ritter John Reed # Jacob Erb #   2 Jacob Glider George Neighart Joseph Red   3 John Gregory Sepe Blackbum George Auth   4 Peter Rhoad Nicholas Kump Paul Sult   5 Adam Blandemen Joseph Brown James Lattimore   6 Friedrich Corow Peter Anthony Edward Greenmyer   7 John Diederich Adam Hamshre John Stewart   8 Peter Knoos Nicholas Horner Jacob Thiesbach  
Northampton Co } I do hereby certify to Your Excellency that the County } inclosed Return of the Officers herein contained is a true copy of the Returns made to me by the Sub- Lieutenants and the and Lieu t Colonels of the several Battalions in this County and arranged as above written as Witness my hand and Seal the first day of June 1780.
To His Excellency Joseph Reed Esq r President of the Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania
Samuel Reed Lieut For Northampton County

A Return of the Captains & Subalterns of the Fourth Battalion of Militia of Northampton County elected agree- -ably to law
3 rd Company John Greggory Captain Adam Lawar Lieut Philip Shoaf Ensign
6 th Company John Ritter Captain Gasper Flick Lieut Jacob Erb Ensign #
I do certify on honor that the above return is agree- -able to that delivered me by the commanding Officer of the Battalion
#
#
Thos Craig Lieut Northampton County
Easton November 20 th 1783
Commissions made out and dated 1 st May - 83.
Pennsylvania
I do certify that the above and foregoing are true extracts from two separate original papers now on file in this Office
In Testimony
Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Secretary's Office at Harris- -burg this 15 th Day September A D 1847
J. Miller Secretary of the Commonwealth

of Elizabeth Erb, daugh of Jacob Erb (Phil) Pa
Act 7 June 1832
increased from $49. 66 / 100 to $108. 66 / 100 on 4 March 1831 to 3 April 1838 when he died, under act of June 1832, and from 4 April 1838 to 27 th Sept r 1844 when she died, payable to Polly Houcks, only surviving child, Under act of July 1836
Hon Rich d Broadhead Easton Pa.

A Muster Roll of Captain Henry Shades Company of the Ridgmont in the Service of the Province of Pennsylvania commanded by Samuel Miles Esqr Colonel
   Reg't Comp'y Date of enlistment Captain Lieutenants   Henry Shade Esqr Jost Driefbach - 2 Thomas Boyd - 3     Months 1776   1776 Sergeants   March 26 Casper Beaud 1 th   April 13 Jacob Beall 2 nd   March 20 Isaac Miller 3 rd   April 29 Isaa Gruber 4 th   16 April 3 George Deal   17 " do 3 Jacob Erb # do No engine and the squadron from Northampton   18 " do 4 Joseph Graves  
I do certify on honor that the Officers non Commissioned Officers and Privates who appeared this day on the Parade at Philadelphia are bona fide engaged in the service of the Province of Pennsylvania, and receive pay from the times mentioned opposite to their names and according to the Rank they hold in this Roll.
June 10 th 1776
Henry Shade Captain
Mustered on the Parade at Philadelphia Cap't Henry Shades company of the First Battalion of Rifle Regiment in the service of the Province of Pennsylvania. Commanded by Samuel Miles Esqr Colonel. One Captain, two Lieutenants, four Sergeants, one drummer, one fifer, and Sixty one Privates. This Muster taken to the First of June 1776 -
Sod h Sprozell M. M.

Pennsylvania
I do certify that the within is a true extract from the original, now on file in this Office
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Secretary's Office at Harrisburg this 13 th of Sept r A D 1847
J. Miller
Secretary of the Commonwealth
#

of Elizabeth Erb, dea'd Jacob Erb (Phil) Pa
Act 7 June 1832
increased from $49. 66 100 to $108, 66 100 on 4 March 1831 to 3 April 1838 when he died, under act of June 1832, and from 4 April 1838 to 27 th Sept r 1844 when she died, payable to Polly Houcks, only surviving child, Under act of July 1836
Hon Rich d Broadhead Easton Pa.

No. 9547. A.
£ 10. 5. 0 Specie
I do certify that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to Ensign Jacob Erb of Northampton county militia in the sum of Ten pounds five Shillings Specie with lawful interest from the first day of July One thousand seven hundred and Eighty three, the same being due upon an account settled in this Office pursuant to an Act of Assembly passed the first day of April 1784.
Comptroller Generals Office 12 th Jan y 1786
Jno. Nicholson
No. 9519. A.
£ 22. 1. 9 Specie
I do certify that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to Ensign Jacob Erb of Northampton county militia in the sum of Twenty two pounds One Shilling and Nine pence Specie with lawful interest from the first day of July One thousand seven hundred and Eighty three, the same being due upon an account settled in this Office pursuant to an Act of Assembly passed the first day of April 1784.
Comptroller Generals Office 13 th Jan y 1786
Jno. Nicholson
Pennsylvania
I do certify that the above are true copies of two separate original "certificates" now on file in this Office.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Auditor Generals Office at Harrisburg this 17 th day of Sept r A.D. 1847
Wm. Patterson
Aud Genl 3
 10. 5.  22. 1. 9   32. 6. 9 

State of Pennsylvania } ss. Northampton County } ss.
Before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace, in and for the County of Northampton, personally appeared J. C. Becker, a clergyman of the German Reformed Church of Allen Township, who being first duly sworn, doth depose and say that it appears to him by papers and information given him at the time of the funeral of Jacob Erb, that the said Jacob Erb was at the time of his death on the third of April A.D. 1838, aged Eighty Years one month & one day - and that he believes him to have been of that age.
Sworn & Subscribed } J. C. Becker S.P. This 10th day of January 1848 } Before me }
Jacob Baer
State of Pennsylvania Northampton County ss I T. R. Sitgreaves, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do certify, That Jacob Baer is a Justice of the Peace of said County as above stated, and that the signature there purporting to be his is genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at Easton this 13th day of January A.D. 1848. T. R. Sitgreaves Protho

My Dear Sir
Some eight weeks ago I forwarded to you the application of Polly Houch for the arrears of pension due her father Jacob Erb. A day or two previous to sending the Erb papers, I sent the application of the Heirs of Christian Roth. As I received an answer to the Roth ex application bearing date Oct. 16, and as a long period has elapsed since without hearing from you since sending the Erb papers, I am apprehensive that they may have miscarried. Will you please advise me.
From the general tenor of your reply in the matter of Christian Roth, I infer that you wish me to understand that the term he was out on parole is not to be considered as service. I would respectfully ask whether that is the construction you put upon the Act of Congress directing the time of imprisonment as a prisoner of war to be considered as service.
Yours &c
Charles Brodhead
Easton Penna, Nov. 6 th 1847,

J Erbow
Hm-
Rich Brodhead
172

Pension Office, December 11 th , 1847.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Jacob Erb 2 nd , deceased, asserted by his daughter has been examined and the papers filed.
The proofs show that claimant was an Ensign in 1780 in the Militia, and that he was paid £32.6.9. Penn. Currency for his services in that capacity equal to $86.23. which is the pay of an Ensign for four months nine days. But his claim, in all other respects, is neither asserted nor sustained with the precision required in awarding a pro rata pension for life.
The proof does not identify him with the Jacob Erb who appears to have served in Skeddy Company of Miles' Regiment of Riflemen in 1776 nor is the length and grade of that service ascertainable by the papers.
The papers upon which his pension was allowed by the State of Pennsylvania will, probably, determine all questions respecting the amount and grade of his service, and if his pension was paid

to the day of his death, the Treasury books at Harrisburg will establish the date of that event. That date should be ascertained, either by a recard or the deposition of the Physician, Clergyman or Coffin maker whose books will afford data for precise evidence.
The correspondence of claimants name with persons credited on the books with service cannot avail him without satisfactory proof of identity.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Ob. Servt.
J L Edwards
Wm. Richard Brodhead House of Representatives.

James I. Edwards, Esq., Comm'r of Pensions,
Sir,
Yours of the 11 th Ult., in reference to the application for the arrears of Pension due Jacob Erb, is received.
In reply, I have to say that the Certificates which you desire from the Clerks of the House of Representatives cannot be had, as the various Departments refuse to certify to a negative .
The extracts of letters sent to you some time ago, showing fruitless search, were from a Clerk in the Department of State - The Clerks are the persons who make the search - If evidence is found, the proper officer certifies it - if not, the only thing received, is information from the Clerk who made the search, that it cannot be found, & that information you have.
It appears to me that you require more in this case, than applicants are given to understand by your Rules as published, will be required,
Truly Yours &
Charles Brodhead, Easton Penna. Feb 19 th 1848.

Pension Office, February 11th, 1848
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the affidavit of the Rev. J. C. Becker, in the case of Jacob Erb, is satisfactory as to his age at the period of his alleged service in the Revolutionary War: But the proof of his identity with the soldier of Miliz Regiment, and the length and grade of the several tours of service rendered by him in that war, heretofore required, must be furnished before a certificate can issue to his children.
As the papers upon which the allowance by the State of Pennsylvania to him was granted contain a full narrative, and the only one, of the services rendered by Erb, they are supposed to contain the highest evidence of his service that can be had; and as all claimants are bound to produce the best attainable proof, they, or copies of them, if they can be found should be transmitted to this Office; or in case of their being mislaid or removed from the files of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, or of that of the Senate, the Officers having charge of those records should certify

that facts to this Department. This claim cannot be admitted upon the proofs now on file.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Ob. Servt. Wm. Cummins
Wm. R. Prodhoad House of Representatives.

J. L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions, Sir
Enclosed you will receive the Declaration of Polly Stone the only surviving child of Jacob & Elizabeth Erb, for the arrears of Pension due her mother under the Act of 1836.
The Declaration was made simultaneously with the one for the arrears of Pension due her father, but was not submitted with that. On the first one you allow a per annum pension of $49.66, which, under the circumstances was not a liberal allowance.
The Certificates from the Auditor General's Office exhibited payments for 4 months 9 days - The transcript of the Act of Assembly I sent you, & the Certificates themselves exhibit the fact that they were only given for balances , & not for the full amount.
The Depositions accompanying the Declaration, moreover proved three full tours as Ensign.
I would therefore ask that an sufficient allowance may be made upon the accompanying declaration to raise the same amount as if six months service as Ensign had been allowed under both declarations.
Respectfully Yours &c
Charles Brodhead,
Easton. Penna. April 11 th 1848.

Additional Evidence in the case of Polly Hawk for arrears of Pension due Jacob Erb decease
I have not seen the papers in this case, but from I know of the reputation of the old man I think it is an honest one, and .
Be pleased to re- examine it at your earliest convenience and report to me
Rich d B. Borthwick

J. L. Edwards
Com m d of Pensions
Sir: Your last relation to the application of Polly Stock for the arrears of Pension due Jacob Erb, desiring proof of the age of the s d Jacob Erb is received.
Enclosed you will receive the deposition of the Rev d Becker showing him to have been 80 years of age in 1838. This would have made him between 18 & 19 years of age when he joined Miles's Regt n
I have endeavoured to ascertain whether Erb served out his full term of enlistment in Shadel's Company, but have not succeeded - He was certainly in Miles's Regt n under Shadel at the Battle of Trenton, but later than that I cannot trace him, but I doubt not that he served out his full term, i.e. to Jan. 1778.
Respectfully Yours &c
Charles Brodhead
Easton. Penna Jan. 14 th 1848.

March 25 th 1848
I herewith present
I respectfully request the re-examination of the case of Polly Houch the heir of Jacob Erb in Inds together with and herewith Submit a Letter upon the subject. —
The heir claims for 12 months Service as Ensign and I think the whole time is pretty well proved, — 4 months & 9 days are admitted because $32. 6 & 9 was paid to him but that was only a Balance — There is other Evidence record & parole
Now in order to bring this case to a close the applicant has authorized me to accept a certificate for Six months Service of her father as Ensign
He certainly served a longer time than as the papers show but to relieve the law from all difficulty the applicant will take a certificate for the said Six months.
Yours &c
To General Edwards
Rich d Brodhead

Washington City April 17 th 1848
Col James L Edwards, Commr of Pension - I herewith transmit to you the application of Polly Storch the only child of Jacob & Elizabeth Erb for an annuity of Pension due her mother under the act of 1836 -
You granted her a certificate for the balance due her father under the act of 1832 but not for the Amount I agreed to accept for the applicant - [See my Letter upon the subject] - I agreed for the applicant to take a certificate for Six months Service as Ensign and you granted a certificate for 4 mo & 9 days as Ensign & the Balance as a Private - I think he only served as Ensign - At any rate I think the Proof Clearly proves more than Six months as Ensign - I would be pleased if you would look into the case again & if you think I am wrong grant a Certificate for the same amt & kind of Service as you did before -
Yours Respectfully
Richd Goodwin

Payment to be made at Philadelphia, by J. R. Madden, Esq. Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of Penn
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C Vol- ume 1 Page 152 by W. R. Rankin, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836 (3rd section) Elizabeth Erb, dec'd. widow of Jacob Erb, who was a Pri. and an Ensign in the Penn. and who died 3rd Apr 1838, is inscribed on the pension roll, at the rate of $49. 66. per Annum. Commg 3rd Apr 1838, and ending 29th Sept 1844, when she died. The amt is due & payable to her only child surviving Polly Werner R.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 29 day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight.
Examined and Countersigned. }
Secretary of War.
Commissioner of Pensions.

No 37564
Jacob Erb 2 o Pa
act 7 June 1832
Adm o ,
4 Mo 9 day Endorse 43.00
2 " — " — 6.66
49.66
from 4 March 1831 to the 3 rd April 1838 the day of his death payable to Polly Knoch only Child.
Hon Rich d Broadhead House of Reps

No 7066 Elizabeth Erb and Mrs of Jacob Pa
Act 4 July 1836
Adm, 4 mo 9 days Ensign $43.00 2 " Min 6 66 $49.66
From 3 April 1838 to 27 Septm 1844 the day of her death payable to Polly Stouck only Surviving Child of Elias Erb as
Hon R Broadhead House of Reps

Pension Office April 1848
Si.
I have the honor to return herewith Mr. Whitt's letter resp's the copy of  copy of  oblong  oblong seals

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Easter Penn a . Jan y 16. 1849
Dear Sir:
You will grant a special favor by informing me the amount , and the kind of service that was allowed in the case of Jacob Erb, the heirs of whom recently received back pay by the Government. What length of time was he allowed as resign for any other service.
Very Respectfully Yours &c
John A. Annes

Feb 13/50
4529-36 Pa
W Allin
Case of the heir of Jacob & Elizabeth Erb of Pa under the acts of 1832 - & 1836
Not wishing to employ an agent I respectfully submit this Letter to Col Edward the Commr of Pensions with a request that he will have the Case Re-examined & if the Evidence is sufficient grant the additional allowance asked for, or such portion as he may think the Law & the facts will justify. —
Richard Brodhead Easton Pa
Feb 14/50

Dear Dr -
Enclosed you will receive the promised papers - The pencil notings are the corrections -
John B. of Phila & myself talked about having it made out correctly (I think the enclosed is nearly if not quite right) and have it printed - What do you say - & what could it be published for? - Take the opinion of some printer.
When you have finished with them send them to Jno. Brothman 155. Walnut St. Phila & say that you send my directions.
Now for some business - In 1846 or 1847 I filed some papers with Col. Edwards praying an allowance to the heir of late  (old soldier) Jacob Erb of Northampton Co. Penna, under the Act of June 9. 1832. and also for arrears due his widow Elizabeth Erb under the act of July 4. 1836. The applica- tion was made in behalf of Polly Houch of our County she being the only surviving child - I proved his distinctly six months service as Ensign in Penna. Militia, & two months as private in do. - I also proved that by certified copy of Muster Roll from Harrisburg that he enlisted in Henry Shaeffer's Riflemen (18 months men) Col. Miles Regt. or Battalion on the 3 d of April 1776 and that he was in said Company on the 10 th June following & asked allowance for that service and asked Edwards as I had shown him to have been enlisted for 18 mo. it devolved

upon the Department to show when he left. Shaded Company & that he ought to presume service to the end of the time.
He only allowed, however, for 4 mos. as privates & 2 mos. as pri- vate in the Militia - Had I had any intimation of the issuing of the certificate I would have refused to have taken it, but all at once it came along, & I had no other way than to take it - I told the claimant at the time that injustice had been done her claim, and since that time I have neglected it shamefully - & now feel myself constrained to move in the matter, Not being able to be in Washington long enough to do anything, I am obliged to call on you - Knowing that there are numbers of Attorneys at Washington who prose- cute these claims contingently, I wish you would recommend me to some decent responsible one, who stands well with the Department, and place this statement in his hands - If any one will undertake it, & procure any additional allowance I personally guarantee him the negotiated or 25 per cent of the whole additional allowance. The claim will run to 1874 when the widow died. Please advise me.
I have been very busy lately hanging up unfinished business & Court or I should have sent these papers sooner,
Very Yours
Charles Bloodhead
Eustis Jan. 26. 1882.

This Letter was written to Mr. Brookhead of this City - Happening to be here he has did it to me [see note on the Back]
Richard Brookhead

Easton Pa March 13th 1850
Col James L Edwards Commr of Pension. Sir
I only recd your letter of the 2nd Inst in relation to the case of Polly Hawk heir to Elizabeth Erb widow of Jacob Erb who was a soldier of the in the Revolution - Claim under the act of 4th July 1836. -
You say that you have allowed for the highest rate of service the proof on file will allow of, viz 4 months & 9 days as an Ensign and 2 months as a private. -
The Attorney of the claimant claimant has called my attention to the proof & to some additional Evidence , and which clearly in my opinion establishes a claim to a further allowance -
You say that "no Record Evidence is exhibited of Col Miles Regiment having served 18 months" as Now if you will examine the 5th Vol of the American Archives 4th Series page 246 will observe that for same Miles was appointed Col of the Two Pa Rifle Battalions on the 16th of March 1776 and in the same Book page 679 you will observe that Henry Shade was appointed a Captain on the 9th of March 1776 - Jacob Erb was a Private in Shade's Company as is proved by Papers in the case now on file - At Page 682 of the same Book you will observe that the Members of the Rifle Battalions first mentioned were to Serve until the 14th of January 1778. -
The proof The Evidence on file shows that Erb was a Private in Shade's Company of Riflemen in March 1776, and by Reference to the 1st Vol Am Archives 5 Series page 1250 you will observe that Col Miles Regt

and Capt Shader Company were in the Battle of Long Island on the 27th of Aug 1776 five months after and yet you allow but for two months. — It is an historical historical fact that Jacob Erb was in  at the Battle of Long Island — As you will observe by the Book last referred to one of my Ancestors was there at the time all from the same section of country. — Now if an examination be made of the Roll of Privates in Capt Shader Company for Miles Keyt on the Day of the Battle (27th Aug 1776) it will be found that Erb was there — Shader Company was also at the Battle of Trenton and it was always asserted that Erb was also there — Please examine the Roll. — They were both from this country. —
Now in Regard to his the Service of Jacob Erb in the Militia at a subsequent period. — I looked at the Papers when I was in Washington recently, and it seems to me that the proofs clearly show eight months & more in stead of 4 months & 9 Days for which you have allowed. — You will observe by a review of the Testimony that the following Service is proved by at least one credible witness to each Tour —
 1. A Tour of 2 months under Capt Peter Roth by Paul Soller & Martin  Capt Anna Martin Orner both Pensioners of the United States  2. A Tour of two months under Capt Knorr by Martin Orner  3. A Tour of 2 months under Capt Knorr { By John Reed  4. A Tour of 2 months under Capt Maj Boyd { By John Reed  who was also a Pensioner — I have always understood your Rules to be that the Testimony of one credible witness was Sufficient in Case of Militia Service —
Please Examine the declarations of the witnesses made in their own Cases to see whether they testify truly or contradict themselves. —

In view the nature of the additional Evidence and References to the American Archives which I have given I respectfully ask that you will re-examine the case - and make such additional allowance as you may think right -
I do not like to be troublesome or importunate - During the 6 years I served in Congress I never gave you much trouble, but I feel so well convinced that Jacob Est. served much longer than you have allowed him for that I feel it my duty under the circumstances to call your attention to the case again -
The applicant is a poor widow who supported her aged Parents
Yours Respectfully
Richard Brodhead

375 64 Jacob Erb m c Penn.
Sol d to Hon. R. Reed head Oct 1 '47
Same Dec. 20 '47.
Sol d to Same Feb. 11 '48
Sol d 7th June 1832

Harrisburg Sep 3. 1847
Dear Sir:-
Enclosed You will
I was aware long since that Erb's papers were presented by Mr. Kern in the Senate in 1833, and have made examinations accordingly, but without success. I have also had a Gentleman of my acquaintance, familiar with the papers of the Senate & House, also examining, but who has been unable to find them

Dated June 21 st 1847.
My Dear Sir
Enclosed I send You all the evidence I have found as yet in the Ebb case. If any more is discovered I will immediately send it. The papers that were here when Ebb Rice & his State pension I am satisfied have been taken away for they are not to be found now.

FREE
Mr Allison will particularly attend to. See James L. Edwards Committee of Pension Miss Cape Horn Washington City
D.C.

WIDOW, &c.
Rm File No. 3181  em
Elizabeth Ash
Widow
Jacob Ash
Printer, Wa
Act: July 9, 1836
Index:—Vol. A. , Page 219.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Office, March 2. 1850.
Sir, In reply to your letter in the case of Elizabeth Erb, widow of Jacob Erb, under act of July 1836. I have to state that the claim has been allowed for the highest rate of pension for the services which has been established, viz: four months and nine days as an Ensign, and two months as a private. No record evidence is exhibited of Col. Samuel Miles' Regiment having served eighteen months; and if there was such evidence, the service of any one belonging to that Regiment for that time could not be allowed, unless it was proved that he served the whole time.
I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt. J L Edwards
Col. Richard Broadhead, Easton Pennsylvania

Reported
22 602 Pennsylvania
Jacob Erb 2nd
of Northampton in the State of Penn who was a Pri. & Ensign in the Comp y commanded by Captain Roth of the Reg t commanded by Col. Major Boyd in the line for
2 nd Monthly Pri.
H. 9 Cys Ensign
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 49 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 and ending 3rd April, 1838, when
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of April 1848 and paid to Hon. Richard Brodhead
Arrears to the 4th of March of the Reg t Semisant. allowance ending
Payable to Polly Neone & D
only child surviving { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Thos. R. Franklin Clerk, Book H 2 Vol. 3 Page 18

Pennsylvanian 4529.
Elizabeth Erb the? widow of Jacob Erb,
who died on the 3rd April, 1838, of Southampton in the State of Penn who was a Pvt Ensign in the Comp commanded by Captain R. H. of the Regt commanded by Major Boyle in the Keystone time for 2 months Private 4 " 9 " Ensign
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 49 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3rd day of April, 1838 and ending 27th Sept 1844 when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of April, 1848, and sent to Hon. R. Brothhead Secy of Reps
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
Payable to Polly Neouck Only surviving child
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
Recorded by Th. Rumph Clerk, Book C Vol. 1. Page 152
Reported
J. A. James, same 6149
2011 West Broadway March 2/50